Free October 23 Screening of “Brooklyn Castle”

Brooklyn’s I.S. 318 junior high school fits one inner-city stereotype: a majority of its students come from families who live well below the poverty line. All other expectations should be checked at the door.

Beginning in 2000, I.S. 318 expanded its small chess program and began competing in national tournaments. For those keeping score, the results have been stunning. They now have more than 30 national chess titles and were the 2012 U.S. High School National Champions, a first for a junior high. As they are quick to point out, if the late Albert Einstein, an avid chess player, were on this team, he would rank fourth.

Come watch “Brooklyn Castle“, the funny and insightful documentary that follows this genius chess team. The Columbia Public Library will host a free screening next Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m.

If you are like me and love inspiring, quirky stories of educational success, you should check out two of my favorite documentaries, “Mad Hot Ballroom” and “Pressure Cooker.” I would also highly recommend the film “Girls Rock.” All of these documentaries are available for you to borrow for free with your library card.